Henriette "Hank" Spruce, Lake Geneva (1927-2013)

Henriette “Hank” Spruce, 85, died due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease Monday, Dec. 16, 2013 at Lakeland Health Care Center, Elkhorn, WI. Hank was born December 26, 1927 to William and Lillian Raymondi in Chicago, Illinois. After attending Luther High School and Valparaiso University in Indiana, she married the most handsome and dashing Robert J. Spruce (July 1946) and they settled in the Village of Williams Bay, WI. Hank was a devoted, stay-at-home mom active in the Lutheran Church, and quite the entertainer at the annual Civic League shows. She was a bridge player, Girl Scout leader, and attended more grade school Christmas pageants than anyone else she knew. Later in life, Hank taught pre-school and then put herself through nursing school and became an LPN. She worked at Lakeland Hospital in Elkhorn, Sherwood Nursing Home in Williams Bay and Golden Years in Walworth. Hank also volunteered as a hospice caregiver, at the food pantry, and was always the first one to help where needed. Hank loved children. She was a devoted Grandma and knew every playground within a 50 mile radius of Williams Bay.

Hank was predeceased by both parents; her husband, Robert; and brother, William. Hank is survived by her children: Natalie Spruce, Susan Spruce Eland (Ric), Joanie Kalla (Guy), and Christina Ciesiel (Randy); her grandchildren: Jaunie and Kalen Cruz of Georgia, Nicolas Cruz and Sara Kalla of Williams Bay; and seven great-grandchildren in Georgia.

In keeping with Hank’s concern for others, the family is requesting that in lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations in her name be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Wisconsin, 2900 Curry Lane, Suite A, Green Bay, WI 54311. Online contributions can also be made by going to www.alz.org/gwwi or calling 1.800.272.3900.

There will be no visitation or funeral service, but a memorial service will be planned in the spring. The cremation was carried out per Hank’s request, and the family was assisted by Toynton Funeral Home in Walworth, WI. Cards of condolence for the family may be sent to: The Spruce Family, PO Box 274, Williams Bay, WI 53191.